Wisden
11th Match: India v Sri Lanka

Commonwealth Bank Series, 2011-12

Jesse Hogan

At Hobart, February 28, 2012 (day/night). India won by seven wickets. India 5pts. Toss: India.

After nine weeks of scorn for their lack of resolve, India finally produced a performance that demanded universal respect. And it was Kohli, not one of the old guard, who stood tallest. To mount the second-highest successful chase in Australia was challenging enough. But India also had to do it within 40 overs to claim a bonus point and thus stay in contention for the finals. Centuries from Dilshan and Sangakkara - in a Sri Lankan record second-wicket stand of 200 - were ultimately made to appear ordinary; in Dilshan's case it was a second futile 160 against India, following Rajkot in 2009-10.

Still, at the change of innings India's hopes looked so fanciful they already had one foot on the airport tarmac. Kohli started patiently, yet overhauled the well-set Gambhir, and was chiefly responsible for Malinga's extraordinary figures, taking 24 from the 35th over. Repeated flicks off his toes against the bowler reputed to possess the world's best yorker took the breath away. Kohli's unbeaten 133 from 86 balls was his ninth one-day international century, six of them in pursuits, all successful. He was already poised to leave Australia with an enhanced reputation, yet this innings - of the type that transcends loyalties - was on another level entirely.

Man of the Match: V. Kohli.
Attendance: 3,467.

© John Wisden & Co.